Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Corize van Rensburg and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will table a critical motion at the next Council meeting calling for the development of a comprehensive policy and by-law to address homelessness in Mangaung.
Homelessness in our city is a growing crisis that can no longer be ignored. Thousands of vulnerable individuals are forced to live on the streets, often in unsafe and undignified conditions such as under bridges, in stormwater systems, and in public spaces. This reality not only undermines their constitutional rights to dignity, safety, and adequate housing but also affects the broader community.
Despite the scale of the problem, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality currently has no formal policy in place to address homelessness. This lack of coordination and planning has left NGOs, faith-based organisations, and the private sector to carry the burden with limited support.
The DA’s motion calls for a “whole of society” approach, bringing together local government, provincial and national departments, and civil society to implement sustainable, practical solutions.These include:
- Establishing or supporting safe spaces and shelters, including the use of unused municipal buildings.
- Improving coordination with departments such as Social Development, Home Affairs, and SAPS.
- Creating a central database of available shelters and services.
- Expanding access to healthcare, documentation, social support, and rehabilitation programmes.
- Implementing prevention programmes for at-risk youth.
Importantly, this motion also emphasises that local government must stop short-term, unsustainable approaches and instead focus on structured, humane, and lawful interventions that protect both vulnerable individuals and community spaces.
Mangaung has the potential to become a caring city that restores dignity to its most vulnerable residents, but this requires political will, proper planning, and accountability.
The DA believes that every person deserves dignity, safety, and an opportunity to rebuild their life. This motion is a necessary step toward achieving that.